LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

CliapUBj Copyright No.S3A> 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Gbe probationer's 
Companion, 

With StuMes in 
" pilgrim's progress." 



Rev. J. O. Peck, D.D. 



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THE 

PROBATIONER'S 
COMPANION . . 



With STUDIES in . . 
PILGRIM'S PROGRESS 



by/ 

REV. J. O. PECK, D.D. 




NEW YORK: HUNT & EATON 
CINCINNATI : CRANSTON & CURTS 



]THS UBRAET 
IWASMINQTOW 



Copyright, 1893, by 
HUNT & EATON, 
New York, 



Composition, eleetrotyprag, printing, and binding *>t 
HUNT & EATON, 
150 Fifth Avernte, New York. 



PUBLISHERS' NOTE. 



AT our solicitation the author has prepared this new 
Companion for Probationers. His remarkable ca- 
reer in many of the leading cities and churches in Meth- 
odism ; his success as a pastor whose ministry has been 
attended everywhere by great revivals ; his successful 
care and nurture of young converts, whereby ninety- 
eight per cent of the probationers were brought into 
full membership in the Church, are sufficient evidences 
of his peculiar fitness to prepare a helpful Companion for 
yoimg converts. Perhaps no one so well qualified by 
long and rich experience for the task has ever attempted 
such a chart. 

While this new Companion contains, necessarily, some 
things common to similar booklets, like our " Articles of 
Religion " and our " General Rules," it also embodies 
many things original in the life work of the author. We 
send forth this little volume with confidence that it will 
be welcomed warmly by pastors as an important help in 
the nurture of young converts. It should be placed in 
the hand of each probationer on the day that marks his 
or her first step in Church relations." 

New York, September, 1893. 



* In case any probationers, their parents, or the proper officials of 
the Church do not meet the trifling expense, the pastor can easily 
lift a plate collection to Drovicle a copy for each convert. 

3 



INTRODUCTION. 



FOR years the author has been urged to prepare a 
handbook for probationers by many ministerial 
brethren. At last he has yielded to their entreaty and the 
request of the Publishers. Not having such printed help 
to guide and train young converts during his ministry 
he was obliged to invent means to aid him in developing 
the spiritual life of beginners in the school of Christ. 
While the conversion of souls is the first and supreme 
work of the Christian pastorate, yet, 

The Training of Converts 
is only secondary in time and importance to their con- 
version. They cannot be edified until converted, but 
the steadfast growth of converts is vital. Many die 
by neglect and starvation. A godly woman burned this 
idea into our soul. At the close of a great revival we 
called the young converts and class leaders together one 
night to assign these newborn souls to the classes. She 
came up to her pastor, and as her eye swept the crowded 
vestry, with deep emotion said, " I see before me hun- 
dreds of newborn babes to be dressed in righteousness, 
and nursed for Christ. Will one of them die through the 
carelessness or starvation of us class leaders ? God 
help us! " None of her class died. But all leaders are 
not as wise and spiritual as this saintly woman. Hence 
many pastors are at their wits' end how to preserve the 
fruits of the revival. My conviction and experience are 
that few fall away so long as 



6 



INTRODUCTION. 



The Pastor Keeps a Warm Grip 
on the probationers. If he has led the revival that 
brought them to Christ he is all the world to them as 
guide and teacher. Carelessness or apparent neglect of 
them after conversion means discouragement and death 
to many. If he follows the revival pastor, 01 inherits the 
work of an evangelist, his warm, intense personal sym- 
pathy with each probationer is his greatest work at first. 
Save the babes ! This is now his supreme duty. He 
cannot delegate this work to parents or leaders. He is 
the shepherd. He is responsible. He is to utilize others 
to help. 

11 Feed My Lambs " 
is Christ's command for the hour. It is his test of apostle- 
ship. Not strong meat, but " milk " for these babes. 
Specially prepared and adapted instruction must be given 
them — line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, 
and there a little, until they shall be built up in the most 
holy faith. Many have little or no home training, while 
others have come from non-Methodist families, and are 
unfamiliar with our doctrines, polity, and usages. Hence, 
the special need of just such instruction as this Compan- 
ion suggests. It does not aim to be exhaustive — that 
would require a volume — but only suggestive. It is to 
be adapted and simplified and illustrated by each pastor 
to meet the needs of his work and flock. If this little 
booklet in the hands of pastors and their probationers 
shall help to " save some" the author will be satisfied. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER PAGE 

I. Introduction 7 

II. Thoughts on Probation . . . . 9 

III. Counsel to Converts 12 

IV. Guardian Angels 16 

V. Baptism 17 

VI. Historic Information ig 

VII. Church Polity 21 

VIII. Special Doctrines 23 

IX. Duty of Church Membership 25 

X. Articles of Religion 27 

XL General Rules 37 

XII. Marriage, Temperance, etc.. 42 

XIII. Baptismal Covenant 44 

XIV. Membership Covenant 46 



Introduction to Lectures 51 

Twelve Lectures on " Pilgrim's Progress ' ; 53 



PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 



CHAPTER I. 

THOUGHTS ON PROBATION. 

PROBATION is a peculiarity of Methodism, yet other 
Churches have it in effect. By catechetical classes, 
by examining committees, and by other means they seek 
to test the fitness of candidates for church membership. 
The period of probation with us is " at least six months." 
This time may be extended by the probationer or the 
church, if thought wise. 

Condition of Probation. 
There is but one condition required by our rules for 
admission on probation, namely, " a desire to flee from the 
wrath to come and to be saved from their sins." This 
welcomes every sincere soul, however young or weak. 
A " desire " opens the door. Probation, however, is open 
enlistment in Christ's army. It should be considered a 
real commitment of the individual to His service for life. 
Pastors ought not to intimate that probationers need not feel 
obliged to become full members. While they are not 
obligated to join the Methodist Church the above sug- 
gestion belittles or robs of its significance this important 
step. It makes the act one of weakness and irresolution 
instead of strength and purpose. Rather impress them 
that having put their hands to the plow they must never 
9 



10 



PROBA TIOXERS COMPAXIOX. 



" look back." To make this step impressive it should be 
invested with the solemnity of a 

Public Reception. 
Of course there will be exceptions, owing to sickness, 
infirmity, and other valid causes, where persons are will- 
ing, but unable, to be present. The probation of such 
should be publicly announced, with reasons justifying the 
absence. Pandering to the pride, or half-heartedness, or 
even timidity of those who would be "secret M disciples, 
is unwise. It injures the probationer by consenting to his 
avoiding the "cross." It savors of being ashamed to 
confess openly his desire to be a Christian. Frequently 
persons have said to the writer that they would join on 
probation if they could do so privately. Invariably they 
were told that this could not be allowed, since Christ per- 
mitted no private disciples. He commands all — " Con- 
fess me before men." This is the surest way to make 
loyal and faithful followers. 

Privileges and Limits. 
The probationer is entitled to all the means of grace in 
the Church — to baptism, the love feast, and the Lord's 
Supper. He may be a class leader or Sunday school 
superintendent, though without a seat in the Quarterly 
Conference ; but he cannot be licensed to preach, nor 
bring charges against a full member of our Church, nor 
become a steward in the same. The probationer cannot 
be tried and expelled like a full member, but. if found un- 
worthy, his name is simply dropped from the list of pro- 
bationers. 

Duties. 

To begin right is half the battle. Right habits make 
victory easy. Daily thoughtful study of the Bible and 



THOUGHTS OX PROBATIOX. 



11 



much secret prayer are the greatest duties and yield the 
richest benefits. To neglect these means death. Where 
these things are faithfully attended to there will be a hun- 
ger for the preaching of the word, the prayer meeting, and 
the class meeting. All these are wells of salvation. The 
probationer should also begin at once to take part in 
these meetings. The right habit formed at the start will 
make participation in such duties through life unburden- 
some and rich in blessing and usefulness. 





CHAPTER II. 



COUNSEL TO CONVERTS. 

YOU have entered on a new life. Suffer a few words 
of counsel. The way is untried You have never 
passed this way before. This Companion may prove a 
guide and friend. It at least reaches you a sympathetic 
hand. Let us together study the life you are to pursue, 
with suggestions of help, and the Church you are expect- 
ing to join. 

To be a Genuine Christian 
is the greatest achievement in life. This is doubtless 
your aim. Divine help, daily, is indispensable. Without 
God you will surely fail. With his constant aid you will 
certainly overcome and be crowned. He has provided 
wisdom to guide, grace to strengthen, and help in every 
time of need. What you are in holy character is your 
unfading crown. Resolve to be genuine — gold without 
alloy. It is not so much to get to heaven as to be heavenly- 
minded now. After a true Christian life here there is no 
place but heaven for you hereafter. Be not anxious about 
heaven, but only to be Christlike in daily life. Determine 
to begin, continue, and close your journey in sweet, in- 
timate fellowship with Christ. To this end 

Study God's Word Daily. 
This is the only guidebook to heaven and the best 
handbook on the journey. It is meat for your soul. It 
is the wisdom of God speaking to you. Not merely read, 
but study the Bible ; meditate in it. Hide it in your heart. 
12 



COUNSEL TO COX VERTS. 



13 



Read not so many chapters, but take a passage or verse 
in the morning and feed on it all day while at school or 
work. It will be sweeter than honey in the soul. Better 
be ignorant of other books and know the treasures of 
God's book. A Bible Christian will be wise and strong 
and steadfast. 

Secret Prayer 
is as vital to the soul as breath to the body. You cannot 
live without it. You will only gasp and die. Here all 
true Christians live in close communion with Christ. 
Open the day with prayer. It will brighten all its hours. 
Lift up your heart in silent prayer all through the day. 
Ask guidance and help in the time of need. You can 
telegraph the Throne and get reply in an instant. One 
very important thought is urged on you at the start, 
always pray vocally when alone. Try to have your 
' * closet ' ' a secret place. Then speak aloud your prayer. 
Do not merely think a prayer, but form it in audible 
words. The reflex effect of your own words spoken aloud 
will double the intensity and sincerity of prayer. Do not 
hurry. Take time to speak reverently with God and calmly 
listen and wait for what he shall say to you in answer. 
Do not ring the doorbell of heaven and then run away 
before your call can be answered. "Wait patiently for 
him." If the head of a family, at once begin and main- 
tain family prayer. 

Other Means of Grace. 
Whatever other meetings you attend, public preaching, 
prayer meeting, and class meeting cannot be neglected 
without great loss. Be constant at these services. You 
must feed your soul if you would grow in grace. The 
preaching will instruct, the prayer meeting inspire, and 



14 



PROBATICXER'S COMPAXIOX. 



the class meeting strengthen you in piety. In these social 
meetings commence at once to take part. Confess 
Christ. Declare what great things God hath done for thy 
soul. Begin ; say a few words. Repeat a verse of 
Scripture or a line of a hymn. A dumb child is pitiable. 
Learn to speak and pray by repeated efforts. Never yield 
to the notion that you cannot. You can if you will try. Per- 
severe. It is a victory worth winning. It means strength, 
joy, usefulness. It will tend to keep you from backsliding. 

On Guard. 

The Saviour commands us to "watch" as well as 
pray. Enemies and difficulties will be in the way. Be 
on your guard. Old habits will perhaps harass you. Do 
not dally with them, but break their bondage. Be a new 
man in Christ. Old associations may be a peril. Sever 
any friendship that would hinder your highest Christian 
welfare. Probably more young converts are wrecked by 
the evil influence of companions than by any other 
cause. Let only Christ's friends be your intimate friends. 
Those who scoff or laugh at holy things are enemies of 
Christ and dangerous to your welfare. Pray for them, 
but avoid them. 

Temptations will vex you. Everybody has them. Do 
not be discouraged. Christ was tempted. Temptation is 
not sin. The yielding is sin. Be on your guard — never 
yield. Doubts will come. They come to all. They 
may befog you for the moment, but keep looking 
unto Christ in prayer, sail steadily on. studying your 
Bible chart, and you will come out of the fog clearer and 
stronger than ever in faith. 

Duty, not Feeling. 
is your standard of action. Weak and wavering are the 



COUXSEL TO COX VERTS, 



15 



Christians who fulfill religious obligations only when they 
feel like it. Fickle as the wind is feeling as a guide in 
Christian life, while steadfast as the march of a planet is 
the mandate of duty. Christian living is faithful obedience 
to every teaching of Christ, because it is right. Right 
doing develops right feeling. Never, never hinge your 
service on feeling, but let what is right guide your obe- 
dience as loyally as the magnetic needle points to the pole 
star. 

This will make you a joyful Christian. The joy of 
doing right is your strength. People who live by emotion 
may be "happy" when feeling •"happens" to move 
them pleasantly, but joy is no accident. Christian joy 
springs from harmony with God's will in service. 
" Happy is a heathen word, while joy is a Christian 
grace. Go to your Bible to learn duty, don't hearken to 
feeling. This will make you a working Christian, a grow- 
ing stalwart soul. You v/ork. not because you feel like it, 
but because you ought to work for Christ. You speak 
and pray because it is right. You are strong to resist sin, 
however alluring, because you hear the voice of God be- 
hind you — " Thou shalt say. No." Seek the aid of the 
Holy Spirit in living according to these fundamental 
principles, and you will march onward and upward in a 
certain and steady spiritual life. You will make no ship- 
wreck. Probation v/ill end in honor. The Church will 
want such reliable disciples, and you will want a home in 
the Church until your life on earth wins a coronation 
before the Throne. 



CHAPTER III. 



GUARDIAN ANGELS. 

ONE of the most excellent methods in the care of 
young converts is my personal invention, so far as I 
know ; it is to make the older members nursing fathers 
and mothers to the young converts. The method is this : 
Suppose there are one hundred young converts ; select 
with care and nice adaptation one hundred of the best 
members of the church and assign to each of them the 
spiritual oversight of one young convert. This member 
is to be a guardian angel of that convert ; to see him once 
a week, at least ; to know him, to encourage him. to 
counsel him ; to see that he attends the means of grace ; 
to pray especially for him ; to visit him if sick ; and if he 
wanders, to seek him out and lead him back to the fold and 
duty. This was originally the class leader's work, but it is 
not always done. But one member can watch over one 
convert. This work of guardian angels should not be 
publicly announced, but privately arranged. It does 
three good things: (1) promotes social intercourse; (2) 
quickens the members ; (3) saves many converts. This 
plan is helpful beyond any in my experience, save the 
warm, personal influence of a loving, tireless pastor. 0, 
the joy of saving one young convert from falling. They 
need care. " He shall give His angels charge over thee." 
What honor to be one of God's guardian angels over an 
immortal soul ! 



16 



CHAPTER IV. 



BAPTISM. 

IS baptism obligatory on each Christian ? 
Christ so commands. He also was baptized. 

2. What are the three modes of baptism ? 
Sprinkling, pouring, immersion. 

3. What is the proper mode of baptism ? 

That which satisfies your conscience. The mode is 
not vital. Our Church guarantees each candidate his 
choice of modes, and he should cla.m that which satisfies 
his (not another's) conscience. 

4. Does our Church approve and recognize the validity 
of Infant Baptism ? 

Most positively. 

5. Should we rebaptize one baptized in infancy? 

No. Explain the fact of baptism already received ; 
then always require him, on reception into full member- 
ship, to ratify and confirm the baptismal covenant. This 
satisfies conscience. 

Note. — The author for twenty-five years pursued this method 
and found it entirely satisfactory to those baptized in infancy. 

6. Qoes baptism precede full membership ? 
Most certainly. 

7. May the probationer receive the Lord's Supper 
before baptism ? 

He should partake of the Sacrament on every occasion, 
but secure baptism as early as possible. 
2 17 



18 PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 

8. Is the baptismal covenant equally obligatory on 
those baptized in infancy and in adult years ? 

Most assuredly. 

9. Must a probationer give evidence of conversion 
before reception as a full member ? 

Certainly, since he must affirm that he has " saving 
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." 



CHAPTER V. 



HISTORIC INFORMATION. 

WHO was the founder of Methodism ? 
Rev. John Wesley, A.M., born at Epworth, 
England. June 17, 1705. 

2. Where did Methodism first take historic form ? 

At Bristol, England, in 1739. Here Mr. Wesley 
organized the first Methodist " Society." 

3. How came they to be named " Methodists? " 

At first, in derision, at Oxford University, because of 
their methodical life and habits. In Great Britain they 
are called Wesleyans. 

4. What induced the forming of these classes or 
societies ? 

The low type of piety in the Church of England and 
the exclusion of Mr. Wesley and others from its pulpits. 

5. Did Mr. Wesley intend to organize a Methodist 
Church ? 

Not at first. He lived and died a communicant of the 
Church of England, but provided for the organization of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church in America. 

6. What was the origin of Methodism in America? 

It began in 1 766 in New York city in the preaching of 
Philip Embury, a local preacher from Ireland, who was 
roused to duty by the stinging words of Barbara Heck, a 
godly Methodist. Near the same period another Irish- 
man, Robert -Strawbridge, commenced to preach in 
Maryland. The Methodist Episcopal Church, as a distinct 



20 PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 



denomination, was organized December 25, 1784, »n 
Baltimore, Md. 

7. In what countries is Methodism the strongest? 
In the United States and Canada, 

8. How came our Church to be called the Methodist 
Episcopal Church ? 

Because Mr. Wesley and other leaders preferred the 
Episcopal form of Church government, and alio desired 
to retain the distinctive name, Methodist. 

9. Who was the first Bishop? 

Rev. Thomas Coke, LL.D., was ordained and sent to 
America as the first General Superintendent, or Bishop, 
by Mr. Wesley. Rev. Francis Asbury was the first 
Bishop elected after the Church was organized in 1784. 

10. How many Bishops have there been ? 
Forty-six, with the four Missionary Bishops (1893). 
1 1. Are there other denominations of Methodism? 
There are several denominations of Methodism, but 

our Church is by far the strongest and most important. 

12. How do these differ from our Church? 

Almost entirely in matters of Church government. In 
doctrine they are very similar. 

13. When did the great division of Methodism take 
place ? 

In 1844. Those who withdrew became the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. South. 

14. What Ecumenical Methodist Conferences have 
been held ? 

The first in August. 1881. in London, England ; the 
second in October, 1891, in Washington, D. C. 



CHAPTER VI. 



CHURCH POLITY. 

HOW is the Methodist Episcopal Church governed 
and administered ? 
By the General, Annual, Mission, District, Judicial, 
and Quarterly Conferences. The Discipline and pastor 
will explain the province and power of each of these 
organizations. (The probationers might be assigned to 
prepare brief papers on each of these Conferences.) 

2. Which is the sole legislative body of the Church ? 
The General Conference. 

3. How many orders in our ministry? 
Two ; Elders and Deacons. 

4. How many offices in the ministry? 

Four : Bishops. Presiding Elders. Elders, and Deacons. 

5. What lay officers are in the Church ? 

Local preachers, exhorters. trustees, stewards, class 
leaders. Sunday school superintendents, deaconesses. 
(Probationers may be requested to prepare brief papers 
on the duties of each of these officers.) 

6. What peculiarity in the ministry of our Church? 
The Itinerancy. This is a plan by which each church 

and each minister agrees to submit to the Bishops at the 
Annual Conferences the matter of fixing the appoint- 
ments for each church and minister. The pastor is 
appointed for one year, and cannot be reappointed for a 
longer period than five consecutive years to one church. 
21 



22 



PROBATIONERS COMPAXIOX. 



7. What benevolent societies in our Church are author- 
ized to ask contributions from each member? 

The Missionary, Church Extension, Freedmen's Aid 
and Southern Education, Sunday School Union, Tract, 
American Bible Society, Education, Woman's Foreign 
Missionary and Woman's Home Missionary Societies. 
(Let probationers be appointed to define the scope and 
work of each Society.) 

8. How are these benevolences raised ? 

By voluntary contributions from each member. 

9. Is each member obligated to contribute to all of 
these benevolences? 

Yes. Everyone so vows* in becoming a member of 
the Church ? 

10. Is each member obligated to support the local 
church ? 

Yes. He so promises on entering the Church. He 
vows to support the Church and its benevolences by 
"contributing according to his ability," 



CHAPTER VII. 



SPECIAL DOCTRINES. 



RE there distinctive doctrines in our Church not 



f\ mentioned in the Articles of Religion ? 
There are several of great importance. 

2. What eight doctrines are specially emphasized by 
the Methodist Episcopal Church ? 

Repentance, Justification. Regeneration, the Witness 
of the Spirit. Holiness, Free Will. Universal Atonement, 
Possible Apostasy. 

3. What is Repentance ? 

Godly sorrow for sin, evidenced by sincere reforma- 
tion. A penitent turning of the soul to God for mercy. 
Isa. 55. 7 ; 2 Cor. 7. 10. 

4. What is Justification ? 

Remission of all penalty due for sins previously com- 
mitted. Full forgiveness. Rom. 5. 1 ; 8. 1. 

5. What is Regeneration ? 

It is the renewing of the soul in righteousness by the 
Holy Ghost. The subject of regeneration is made "a 
new creature in Christ Jesus." John 3. 3 ; Eph. 4. 23 ; 
Titus 3. 5. 

6. What do we mean by the Witness of the Spirit ? 
The immediate testimony of the Holy Spirit in the heart 

j>f the Christian of his acceptance as a child of God. 
This testimony confirms the assurance of the believer's 
own heart. Rom. 8. 16. 

7. What is Holiness or Sanctification ? 




24 



PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 



It is the perfecting and completing of the soul in ah 
the graces of Christian character. Those who possess it 
love God with all their heart and their neighbors as them- 
selves. This work of grace may be instantaneous or 
gradual. It is to be persistently sought by faith, through 
prayer, as the work of the Holy Spirit. 

8. What do we mean by Free Will? 

That all men have freedom of will to accept or reject 
Christ as Saviour. They can freely choose or refuse to 
be saved. John 3. 16. 

9. What is Universal Atonement? 

The fact that Christ died and atoned for the sins of the 
whole world. Every soul is equally redeemed by the 
death of Christ. Heb. 2. 9 ; Rev. 22. 17. 

10. What is Possible Apostasy? 

It is the teaching of Scripture that the soul once 
renewed may possibly fall into sin and guilt, and dying in 
this state be finally lost. 1 Cor. 9. 27. 




CHAPTER VIII. 

DUTY OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. 

BY B. HAW LEY, D.D.* 




VERY Christian should become a member of the 
visible Church, because it is a divine institution. 



1 . The apostolic letters are addressed to the Churches 
founded and confirmed by the apostles. 1 Cor. 1. 2; 
2 Cor. 1. 1; 1 Thess. 1.1. 

2. Apostolic salutations are to Churches. Rom. 16. 16, 
and everywhere in the epistles. 

3. Jesus Christ is the founder of the Church. Matt. 16. 
18. 

4. The authority and power of discipline are vested in 
the Church. Matt. 18. 17. 

5. Believers on earth are a part of the true spiritual 
Church. Eph. 3. 1 5. 

6. The general Church is the spiritual kingdom of 
Christ. John 18. 36; Luke 17. 20. 21; Rom. 14. 17. 

7. Jesus Christ is Head of the Church, and Christians 
in an organized capacity are the body. Col. 1.18; Eph. 
4. 5 ; 5. 23. 27 ; Rom. 12. 5. 

8. " Ecclesia," meaning assembly ('Acts 19. 32, 39). in 
an evangelical sense, designates a Church, or congrega- 
tion of Christians, having the ordinances of the Gospel 

* Dr. Havvley kindly permits the author to use his tract on Church 
Membership, and also his arrangement of the Articles of Religion and 
the General Rules. 

25 



26 



PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 



and discipline duly administered Eph. 2. 19; Acts 2. 
47 ; Eph. 1.1; Gal. 3.7,9, 14; Acts 1 1 . 22. 26* 

9. To the Church belong the ministry, the Scriptures, 
and ordinances for the perfecting of the saints. Acts 14. 
23; Eph. 4. 11-13; Phil. 1. 1. 

That all Christians should be members of the visible 
Church is further evident ; 

1 . From the teaching and practice of the apostles. 
Acts 2. 41, 47; 14. 23, 27; Rom. 1. 7; 1 Cor. 1. 2; 
Eph. 3. 5. 

2. From the authority of our Lord. Matt. 28. 19; 18. 
18 ; 4. 19. 

3. The Church is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and 
Christians share his influences somewhat because of a 
union with the Church. Eph. 2. 20-22 ; 1 Peter 2. 5 ; 
Heb. 3. 6 ; 1 Cor. 3. 16 : 2 Cor. 6. 16. 

4. Christians derive spiritual life and health from the 
Head of the Church, because of a union with him in the 
Church. John 5. 24 : 20. 31; 1 John 5. 1 1 , 1 2. 

5. Religious prosperity is promoted in the Church. 
Matt. 18. 20 ; John 14. 23 : 15. 4 : Eph. 5. 23. 26,27. 

6. The perpetuity of the Church depends on the union 
of Christians with it. Isa. 9. 7 ; Dan. 2. 44 ; Matt. 28. 
20; 1 Cor. 11. 26; 15. 25. 

The duty of Church membership being established, 
" what Church should you join ? " 

1 . You should unite with that Church whose doctrines 
are the most scriptural, in which are the most religious 
life, activity, love, and fellowship. 

2. Where the religious privileges are best calculated to 
promote piety, and to develop and strengthen the Chris- 
ian graces. 

3. Where you can get and do the most good. 



CHAPTER IX. 



ARTICLES OF RELIGION. 

THE probationer is required to answer the following 
question on becoming a full member : "Do you be- 
lieve the doctrines of Holy Scripture as set forth in the 
Articles of Religion of the Methodist Episcopal Church ? " 
He should carefully study the doctrines and Scripture 
proofs to enable him to answer intelligently and conscien- 
tiously. He is not asked if he comprehends and can 
explain these doctrines, but if he believes them to be 
taught in the Bible. If he accepts them sincerely, to the 
best of his understanding, it is sufficient. 

I. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity. 
There is but one living and true God, everlasting, with- 
out body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and good- 
ness ; the maker and preserver of all things, visible and 
invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three 
persons, of one substance, power, and eternity — the Father, 
the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Isa. 45. 22 ; Psaim 90. 2 ; 
John 4. 24; Mark !0. 27; Psalm 147. 5; 52. 1; Isa. 
44. 24; Neh. 9. 6 ; 2 Cor. 13. 14; Matt. 23. 19. 

II. Of the Word, or Sox of God, who was made 
very Man. 

The Son, who is the Word of the Father, the very and 
eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took man's 
nature in the womb of the blessed virgin ; so that two 
27 



28 



PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 



whole and perfect natures, that is to say, the Godhead and 
manhood, were joined together in one person, never to 
be divided ; whereof is one Christ, very God and very 
man, who truly suffered, was crucified, dead and buried, 
to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not 
only for original guilt, but also for the actual sins of men. 
Rev. 19. 13; John 1. 1; 10. 30; 1. 14; Isa. 7. 14: 
Matt. 1.23; Acts 2. 36; Heb. 10. fl ; Matt. 27. 35; 
John 19. 33 ; Mark 15. 46 ; 1 John 2. 2 ; Isa. 53. 6 ; 
Heb. 2. 17. 

in. Of the Resurrection of Christ. 
Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and took 
again his body, with all things appertaining to the perfec- 
tion of man's nature, wherewith he ascended into heaven, 
and there sitteth until he return to judge all men at the 
last day. Luke 24. 39; Mark 16. 19; Matt. 16. 27. 

IV. Of the Holy Ghost. 
The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the 
Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory with the 
Father and the Son, very and eternal God. John 15. 26 ; 
14. 16, 23; Acts 5. 3. 4. 

V. The Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures 

for Salvation. 
The Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to 
salvation ; so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor 
may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man 
that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be 
thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name 
of the Holy Scriptures we do understand tnose canonical 
books of the Old and New Testament of whose authority 
was never any doubt in the Church. 



ARTICLES OF RELIGIOX* 



29 



THE NAMES OF THE CANONICAL BOOKS. 

Genesis, Exodus. Leviticus, Numbers. Deuteronomy. 
Joshua, Judges, Ruth, The First Book of Samuel. The 
Second Book of Samuel, The First Book of Kings. The 
Second Book of Kings. The First Book of Chronicles. 
The Second Book of Chronicles, The Book of Ezra. The 
Book of Nehemiah, The Book of Esther, The Book of 
Job, The Psalms, The Proverbs ; Ecclesiastes. or The 
Preacher; Cantica, or Song of Solomon ; Four Prophets, 
the greater ; Twelve Prophets, the less. 

All the books of the New Testament, as they are com- 
monly received, we do receive and account canonical. 
2Tim. 3. 16, 15 ; John 5. 39 ; Deut. 12. 32 ; Mark 7. 7. 

VI. Of the Old Testament. 
The Old Testament is not contrary to the New ; for 
both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is 
offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator 
between God and man, being both God and man. 
Wherefore they are not to be heard who feign that the 
old fathers did look only for transitory promises. Al- 
though the lav/ given from God by Moses as touching 
ceremonies and rite*; doth not bind Christians, nor ought 
the civil precepts thereof of necessity be received in any 
commonwealth ; yet, notwithstanding, no Christian what- 
soever is free from the obedience of the commandments 
which are called moral. Acts 24 14; Luke 24. 44; 
Acts 16. 31; Isa. 55. 7: John 11. 26; Matt. 5. 17. 

VII. Of Original or Birth Sin: 
Original sin standeth not in the following of Adam 
fas the Pelagians do vainly talk), but it is the corruption 
of the nature of every man, that naturally is engendered 



30 



PROBA TIONER'S COMPANION. 



of the offspring of Adam, whereby man is very far gone 
from original righteousness, and of his own nature in- 
clined to evil, and that continually. Job 25. 4; Rom. 8. 7. 

VIII. Of Free Will. 

The condition of man after the fall of Adam is such 
that he cannot turn and prepare himself, by his own 
natural strength and works, to faith, and calling upon 
God ; wherefore we have no power to do good works, 
pleasant and acceptable to God, without the grace of God 
by Christ preventing us, that we may have a good will, 
and working with us, when we have that good will. 
Rom. 8. 8; 7. 18; 1 Cor. 15. 10; Phil. 2. 13. 

IX. Of the Justification of Man. 
We are accounted righteous before God only for the 
merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by faith and 
not for our own works or deservings. Wherefore, that 
we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doc- 
trine, and very full of comfort. Acts 13. 39 ; Rom. 3. 28. 

X. Of Good Works. 
Although good works, which are the fruits of faith, and 
follow after justification, cannot put away our sins, and 
endure the severity of God's judgments ; yet are they 
pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and spring out 
of a true and lively faith, insomuch that by them a lively 
faith may be as evidently known as a tree is discerned 
by its fruit. James 2. 18, 22; Matt. 5. 16; 7. 16-20; 
John 15. 8 ; Phil. 1. 1 1 ; 1 Peter 2. 12. 

XI. Of Works of Supererogation. 
Voluntary works — besides, over and above God's com- 
mandments — which are called works of supererogation, 



ARTICLES OF RELIGION. 



31 



cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety. For 
by them men do declare that they do not only render 
unto God as much as they are bound to do. but that they 
do more for his sake than of bounden duty is required. 
Whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all 
that is commanded you, say, We are unprofitable serv- 
ants. Luke 17. 10. 

XII. Of Six after Justification. 
Not every sin willingly committed after justification 
is the sin against the Holy Ghost, and unpardonable. 
Wherefore, the grant of repentance is not to be denied 
to such as fall into sin after justification : after we have 
received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace 
given, and fall into sin, and, by the grace of God, rise 
again and amend our lives. And therefore they are to 
be condemned who say they can no more sin as long as 
they live here ; or deny the place of forgiveness to such 
as truly repent. Mark 3. 29 ; Gal. 6. 1 ; Jer. 3. 22;, 
Rev. 2. 5. 

XIII. Of the Church. 

The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faith- 
ful men in which the pure word of God is preached, and 
the sacraments duly administered according to Christ's 
ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are req- 
uisite to the same. 1 Cor. 1.2; 2. 1 ; Acts 2. 41, 47. 

XIV. Of Purgatory. 

The Romish doctrine concerning purgatory, pardon, 
worshiping and adoration, as well of images as of relics, 
and also invocation of saints, is a fond thing, vainly in- 
vented, and grounded upon no warrant of Scripture, but 
repugnant to the word of God. John 8. 21; Luke 5. 21; 
Lev. 26. 1: John 14. 6; 1 Tim. 2. 5. 



32 



PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 



XV. Of Speaking in the Congregation in such 
a Tongue as the People Understand. 

It is a thing plainly repugnant to the word of God. and 
the custom of the primitive Church, to have public 
prayer in tne Church, or to administer the sacraments, in 
a tongue not understood by the people. 1 Cor. 14. 9, 19. 

XVI. Of the Sacraments. 
Sacraments ordained of Christ are not only badges or 
tokens of Christian men's profession, but rather they are 
certain signs of grace, and God's good will toward us. by 
the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only 
quicken, but also strengthen and confirm, our faith in 
him. 

There are two sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord 
in the Gospel ; that is to say. Eaptism and the Supper of 
the Lord. 

Those five commonly called sacraments— that is to 
say. confirmation, penance, orders, matrimony, and 
extreme unction — are not to be counted for sacraments 
of the Gospel ; being such as have partly grown out of 
the corrupt following of the apostles, and partly are 
states of life allowed in the Scriptures, but yet have not 
the like nature of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, because 
they have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of 
God. 

The sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed 
upon, or to be carried about ; but that we should duly 
use them. And in such only as worthily receive the 
same they have a wholesome effect or operation : but 
they that receive them unworthily, purchase to themselves 
condemnation, as St. Paul saith (1 Cor. 11. 29). Matt. 
28. 19; 26. 26-28; Luke 22. 19. 



ARTICLES OF RELIGION. 



83 



XVII. Of Baptism. 

Baptism is not only a sign of profession and mark of 
difference whereby Christians are distinguished from 
others that are not baptized ; but it is also a sign of re- 
generation or the new birth. The baptism of young 
children is to be retained in the Church. Acts 22. 16; 
10. 47; 2. 38, 39. 

XVIII. Of the Lord's Supper. 

The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign of the love 
that Christians ought to have among themselves one to 
another, but rather is a sacrament of our redemption by 
Christ's death ; insomuch that, to such as rightly, worth- 
ily, and with faith receive the same, the bread which we 
break is a partaking of the body of Christ ; and likewise 
the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood of Christ. 

Transubstantiation, or the change of the substance of 
bread and wine in the Supper of cur Lord, cannot be 
proved by Holy Writ, but is repugnant to the plain words 
of Scripture, overthroweth the nature of a Sacrament, 
and hath given occasion to many superstitions. 

The body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten in the 
Supper, only after a heavenly and spiritual manner. And 
the means whereby the body of Christ is received and 
eaten in the Supper is faith. 

The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was not by Christ's 
ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshiped. 
1 Cor. 10. 16, 17; 11. 26. 

XIX. Of both Kinds. 
The cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the lay peo- 
pie : for both the parts of the Lord's Supper, by Christ's 
ordinance and commandment, ought to be administered 
to ail Christians alike. Matt. 26. 27. 
3 



04 



PROBATIONER'S COMPANION, 



XX. Of the one Oblation of Christ, finished 
upon the Cross. 

The offering of Christ, once made, is that perfect re- 
demption, propitiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of 
the whole world, both original and actual ; and there is 
none other satisfaction for sin but that alone. Wherefore 
the sacrifice of masses, in the which it is commonly said 
that the priest doth offer Christ for the quick and the dead, 
to have remission of pain or guilt, is a blasphemous fable, 
and dangerous deceit. Heb. 10. 14; 1 Peter 2. 24; 
Heb. 9. 28. 

XXI. Of the Marriage of Ministers. 

The ministers of Christ are not commanded by God's 
law either to vow the estate of single life, or to abstain 
from marriage : therefore it is lawful for them, as for all 
other Christians, to marry at their own discretion, as they 
shall judge the same to serve best to godliness. 1 Tim. 
3. 2 ; 1 Cor. 9. 5. 

XXII. Of the Rites and Ceremonies of Churches. 

It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should in 
all places be the same, or exactly alike : for they have 
been always different, and may be changed according to 
the diversity of countries, times, and men's manners, so 
that nothing be ordained against God's word. Whoso- 
ever, through his private judgment, willingly and pur- 
posely doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of the 
Church to which he belongs, which are not repugnant to 
to the word of God. and are ordained and approved by 
common authority, ought to be rebuked openly (that 
others may fear to do the like), as one that offendeth 
against the common order of the Church, and woundeth 
the consciences of weak brethren. 



ARTICLES OF RELIGIOX. 



35 



Every particular Church may ordain, change, or abol- 
ish rites and ceremonies, so that all things may be done 
to edification. 1 Cor. 14. 26, 40; Acts 15. 28, 29: 
2 Thess. 3. 6. 

XXIII. Of the Rulers of the United States of 
America.* - 

The President, the Congress, the General Assemblies, 
the Governors, and the Councils of State, as the delegates 
of the people, are the rulers of the United States of Amer- 
ica, according to the division of power made to them by 
the Constitution of the United States, and by the Consti- 
tutions of their respective States. And the said States 
are a sovereign and independent nation, and ought not to 
be subject to any foreign jurisdiction. Rom. 13. 1-3. 

XXIV. Of Christian Men's Goods. 

The riches and goods of Christians are not common, 
as touching the right, title, and possession of the same, 
as some do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man 
ought, of such things as he possesseth. liberally to give 
alms to the poor, according to his ability. Acts 5. 4 ; 
1 John 3. 17. 

XXV. Of a Christian Man's Oath. 

As we confess that vain and rash swearing is forbidden 
Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ and James his 
apostle ; so we judge that the Christian religion doth not 

* As far as it respects civil affairs, we believe it the duty of Chris- 
tians, and especially all Christian ministers, to be subject to the supreme 
authority of the country where they may reside, and to use all lauda- 
ble means to enjoin obedience to the powers that be ; and therefore it 
is expected that all our preachers and people, who may be under the 
British or any other government, will behave themselves as peaceable 
and orderly subjects. 



36 



PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 



prohibit, but that a man may swear when the magistrate 
requireth, in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done 
according to the prophet's teaching, in justice, judgment, 
and truth. Exod. 20. 7 ; Matt. 5. 34 ; 26. 63, 64. 



CHAPTER X. 



NATURE. DESIGN, AND GENERAL RULES OF 
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

I. Nature and Design of the First Methodist 
Societies. 

IN the latter end of the year 1 739 eight or ten persons 
who appeared to be deeply convinced of sin, and 
earnestly groaning for redemption, came to Mr. Wesley 
in London. They desired, as did two or three more the 
next day, that he would spend some time with them in 
prayer, and advise them how to flee from the wrath to 
come, which they saw continually hanging over their 
heads. That he might have more time for this great 
work, he appointed a day when they might all come to- 
gether ; v/hich from thenceforward they did every week, 
namely, on Thursday, in the evening. To these, and as 
many more as desired to join them (for their number in- 
creased daily), he gave those advices from time to time 
which he judged most needful for them ; and they always 
concluded their meeting with prayer suited to their sev- 
eral necessities. 

This was the rise cf the United Society, first in Europe, 
and then in America. Such a society is no other than 
'* a company of men having the form and seeking ilie 
power of godliness, united in order to pray together, to 
receii-e the word of exhortation, and to zuatch over one 
another in love, that they may help each other to work out 
their salvation ." 

37 



C8 PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 



II. The Society or Church divided into Classes. 

That it may the more easily be discerned whether they 
are indeed working out their own salvation, each society 
is divided into smaller companies, called classes, accord- 
ing to their respective places of abode. 

There are about twelve persons in a class, one of whom 
is styled the leader. It is his duty, 

1 . To see each person in his class once a week at 
least ; in order. 

(1.) To inquire how his soul prospers. 
(2.) To advise, reprove, comfort, or exhort, as occasion 
may require. 

(3. ) To receive what he is willing to give toward the 
relief of the ministers, Church, and poor. 

2. To meet the ministers and the stewards of the society 
once a week ; in order. 

(1.) To inform the minister of any that are sick, or of 
any that walk disorderly, and will not be reproved. 

(2.) To pay the stewards what he has received of his 
class in the week preceding. 

III. General Rules of the Church. 

There is only one condition previously required of those 
who desire admission into these societies — "a desire to 
flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their 
sins." But wherever this is really fixed in the soul it will 
be shown by its fruits. 

It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that 
they shall continue to evidence their desire of salvation 
by observing the following rules : 

1 . Evils and sins to be avoided. 

(1.) By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, 
especially that which is most generally practiced ; such as, 



GEXERAL RULES. 



39 



(2.) The taking of the name of God in vain. 

(3.) The profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing 
ordinary work therein or by buying or selling. Exod 20. 
8; Deut. 5. 14; Exod. 34. 21 ; Neh. 13. 15-17. 

(4.) Drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors, 
or drinking them, unless in cases of extreme necessity. 
Prov. 20. 1 ; Hab. 2. 15; 1 Cor. 6. 10. 

(5.) Slaveholding ; buying or selling slaves. Exod. 
21. 16; Deut. 24. 7; Isa. 58.6; Matt. 22. 39 ; Col. 
4. 1 ; 1 Tim. 1. 10. 

(6.) Fighting, quarreling, brawling, brother going to 
law with brother ; returning evil for evil, or railing for 
railing ; the using many words in buying or selling. Titus 
3. 2 ; 1 Cor. 6. 7 ; Heb. 13. 5. 

(7.) The buying or selling goods that have not paid the 
duty. Rom. 13. 7. 

(8.) The giving or taking things on usury — that is, un- 
lawful interest. Isa. 3. 15; 1 Cor. 5. 11. 

(9.) Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation ; partic- 
ularly speaking evil cf magistrates or of ministers. 
Titus 3. 2; 2 Peter 2. 10; 1 Thess. 5. 12. 13; Phil. 
2. 29. 

(10.) Doing to others as we would not they should do 
unto us. Matt. 7. 12. 

(11.) Doing what we know is not for the glory of God, as; 

(a) The putting on cf gold and costly apparel. 1 Tim. 
2. 9. 

(b) The taking such diversions as cannot be used in 
the name of the Lord Jesus. 1 John 2. 15, 16; Rom. 6. 
20-22 ; 1 Cor. 10. 31. 

(c) The singing those songs, or reading those books, 
which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God. 
1 Cor. 15. 33; Eph. 5. 15-19; Col. 3. 17. 



40 



PR OB A TIJXER'S COMPANION. 



(d) Softness and needless self-indulgence. Matt. 16. 
24 ; Rom. 8. 13 : Col. 3. 5 ; Gal. 5. 24. 

(e) Laying up treasure upon earth. Matt. 6. 19-21; 

Mark 10. 25. 

(f) Borrowing without a probability of paying; or 
taking up goods without a probability of paying for them. 
Psalm 37. 21: Rom. 12. 17 ; 13. 8 ; 2 Cor. 8. 21. 

2. Good to be done. 

It is expected of all who continue in these societies that 
they shall continue to evidence their desire of salvation. 

(12.) By doing good ; by being in every kind merciful 
after their power : as they have opportunity, doing good 
of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all men. 
Gal. 6. 10. 

(13.) To their bodies of the ability which God giveth, 
by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by 
visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison. Luke 
3. 1 1; Rom. 12. 20: 1 John 3. 17. 

(14.) To their souls, by instructing, reproving, or ex- 
horting all we have any intercourse with ; trampling 
under foot that enthusiastic doctrine, that 14 we are not to 
do good unless our hearts be free to it." 2 Tim. 4. 2. 

(15.) By doing good, especially to them that are of the 
household of faith or groaning so to be : employing them 
preferably to others : buying one of another : helping 
each other in business ; and so much the more because 
the world will love its own and them only. Gal. 6. 10 ; 
1 Peter 2. 1 7. 

(16.) By all possible diligence and frugality, that the 
Gospel be not blamed. Rem. 12. 11; John 6. 12. 

(17.) By running with patience the race which is set 
before them, denying themselves, and taking up their 
cross daily ; submitting to bear the reproach of Christ, to 



GEXERAL RULES. 



41 



be as the filth and offscouring of the world ; and looking 
that men should say all manner of evil of them falsely, 
for the Lord's sake. Heb. 12. 1 ; Luke 9. 23 ; 1 Cor. 4, 
13 ; Matt. 10. 24, 25. 
3. Ordinances to be observed. 

It is expected of all who desire to continue in these 
societies that they shall continue to evidence their desire 
of salvation by attending upon all the ordinances of God ; 
such are, 

(18.) The public worship of God. Psalm ICO. 4. 
(19.) The ministry of the word, either read or ex- 
pounded. Matt. 10. 7. 14; Mark 6. 11. 

(20.) The Supper of the Lord. Luke 22. 19. 

(21.) Family and private prayer. Jer. 10.25; Matt. 6. 6. 

(22.) Searching the Scriptures. Acts 17. 11. 

(23.) Fasting or abstinence. Matt. 6. 17, 13; 17.21. 

Conclusion. 

These are the General Rules of our societies ; all 
which we are taught of God to observe, even in his 
written word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient 
rule, both of our faith and practice. 2 Tim. 3. 16, 17. 
And all these we know his Spirit writes on truly awakened 
hearts. John 14.26; 16. 13. If there be any among 
us who observes them net. who habitually breaks any of 
them, let it be known unto them who watch over that 
soul as they who must give an account. Matt. 18. 15-17; 
James 5. 19. 20. We will admonish him of the error of 

i his ways. We will bear with him for a season. Rom. 15. 

I 14; 2Thess. 3. 15: 1 Cor. 13. 4. Dut if then he repent 
not, he hath no more place among us. We have de- 
livered our own souls. 1 Cor. 5. 5 ; 2 Thess. 3. 6 ; 
1 Tim. 6. 3-5 ; Matt. 18. 15-17. 



CHAPTER XI. 



MARRIAGE, TEMPERANCE, TOBACCO. AND 
AMUSEMENTS. 

Rules Relating to Marriage. 



WE do not prohibit our people from marrying persons 
who are not of our Church, provided such persons 
have the form, and are seeking the power, of godliness; 
but we are determined to discourage their marrying per- 
sons who do not come up to this description. Many of 
our members have married unawakened persons. This 
has produced bad effects ; they have been either hin- 
dered for life, or have turned back to perdition. 
To discourage such marriages, 

1 . Let every preacher publicly enforce the apostle's 
caution, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with 
unbelievers " (2 Cor. 6. 14). 

2. Let all be exhorted to take no step in so weighty a 
matter without advising with the more serious of their 
brethren. 

In general a woman ought not to marry without the 
consent of her parents. Yet there may be exceptions. 
For if. (1) a woman believe it to be her duty to marry; 
if (2) her parents absolutely refuse to let her marry any 
Christian; then she may. nay. ought to marry without their 
consent. Yet even then a Methodist preacher ought not 
to be married to her.— Discipline, rr 36-38 (1392). 




Temperance. 

It is required cf all to refrain from " drunkenness, buy- 



MARRIAGE, TEMPERANCE, ETC. 



43 



ing or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless 
in cases of extreme necessity." 

The Discipline, ^ 240 (1892), prohibits "the buying, 
selling, or using intoxicating liquors as a beverage, sign- 
ing petitions in favor of granting license for the sale of 
intoxicating liquors, becoming bondsmen for persons 
engaged in such traffic, renting property as the place in 
or on which to manufacture or sell intoxicating liquors." 

Tobacco. 

Resolved, The General Conference advises all our min- 
isters and members to abstain from the use of tobacco, as 
injurious to both soul and body (1884). 

Amusements. 

The Discipline requires us to avoid " such diversions 
as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus, the 
singing those songs, or reading those books, which do not 
tend to the knowledge or love of God," 

In *~ 240 the Discipline prohibits " dancing, playing at 
games of chance, attending theaters, horse races, cir- 
cuses, dancing parties, or patronizing dancing schools, 
or taking such other amusements as are obviously of 
misleading or questionable moral tendency." 



CHAPTER XII. 



ORDER OF BAPTISM, 



Then the Minister shall Speak to the Persons 



ELL BELOVED, who have come hither desiring to 



VV receive holy baptism, you have heard how the 
congregation hath prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ 
would vouchsafe to receive you, to bless you, and to give 
you the kingdom of heaven, and everlasting life. And 
our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised in his holy word to 
grant all those things that we have prayed for : which 
promise he for his part will most surely keep and perform. 

Wherefore after this promise made by Christ, you must 
also faithfully, for your part, promise in the presence of 
this whole congregation, that you will renounce the devil 
and all his works, and constantly believe God's holy 
word, and obediently keep his commandments. 

Then shall the Minister Demand of Each of the 



1 . Dost thou renounce the devil and all his works, the 
vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous de- 
sires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh, so 
that thou wilt not follow nor be led by them ? 

Answer, I renounce them all. 

2. Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, 
Maker of heaven and earth ; and in Jesus Christ his only- 
begotten Son our Lord ; and that he was conceived by 
the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary ; that he suf- 



to re Baptized on this Wisl: 




Persons to ue Baptized : 



ORDER OF BAPTISM. 



45 



fered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and 
buried ; that he rose again the third day ; that he ascended 
into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the 
Father Almighty ; and from thence shall come again at 
the end of the world, to judge the quick and the dead ? 

And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost : the Holy 
Catholic Church. * the communion of saints : the forgive- 
ness of sins ; the resurrection of the body ; and everlast- 
ing life after death ? 

Answer. All this I steadfastly believe. 

3. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith ? 
Ansiver. Such is my desire. 

4. Wilt thou then obediently keep God's holy will and 
commandments, and walk in the same all the days of thy 



Answer. I will endeavor so to do. God being my helper. 



life? 



* The one universal Church of Christ. 




9 




CHAPTER XIII. 



RECEPTION OF MEMBERS. 

Then, Addressing the Applicants fur Admission, 
the Minister shall say ; 

DEARLY BELOVED : You are come hither seeking 
the great privilege of union with the Church our Sav- 
iour has purchased with his own blood. We rejoice in the 
grace of God vouchsafed unto you in that he has called 
you to be his followers, and that thus far you have run 
well. You have heard how blessed are the privileges, 
and how solemn are the duties, of membership in Christ's 
Church ; and before you are fully admitted thereto, it is 
proper that you do here publicly renew your vows, con- 
fess your faith, and declare your purpose, by answering 
the following questions : 

1. Do you here, in the presence of God and of this 
congregation, renew the solemn promise contained in the 
baptismal covenant, ratifying and confirming the same, 
and acknowledging yourselves bound faithfully to observe 
and keep that covenant ? 

Answer, I do. 

2. Have you saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ ? 
Answer. I trust I have. 

3. Do you believe in the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures 
as set forth in the Articles of Religion of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church ? 

Answer. I do. 

4. Will you cheerfully be governed by the rules of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, hold sacred the ordinances 

46 



RECEPTIOX OF MEMBERS. 



47 



of God, and endeavor, as much as in you lies, to promote 
the welfare of your brethren and the advancement of the 
Redeemer's kingdom ? 
Answer. I will. 

5. Will you contribute of your earthly substance, ac- 
cording to your ability, to the support of the Gospel and 
the various benevolent enterprises of the Church ? 

Answer. I will. 




CHAPTER XIV. 



FINAL CONSECRATION. 

s * Take my life, and let it be 
Consecrated, Lord, to thee. 
Take my moments and my days ; 
Let them flow in ceaseless praise. 
Take my hands, and let them move 
At the impulse of thy love. 
Take my feet, and let them be 
Swift and ' beautiful ' for thee. 
Take my voice, and let me sing 
Always, only, for my King. 
Take my lips, and let them be 
Filled with messages from thee. 
Take my silver and my gold ; 
Not a mite would I v/ithhold. 
Take my intellect, and use 
Every power as thou shalt choose. 
Take my will, and make it thine ; 
It shall be no longer mine. 
Take my heart, it is thine own ; 
It shall be thy royal throne. 
Take my love ; my Lord, I pour 
At thy feet its treasure store, 
Take myself, and I will be 
Ever, only, ALL for thee." f. r. h. 

HAVING carefully examined my heart as to my pur- 
pose and faith, and having examined the Articles 
of Religion and General Rules of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, I am fully determined to join the Church and to 
consecrate my life and powers to the service of God. 
In the spirit of the above hymn of consecration, by the 
48 



FIXAL COXSECRA TION. 



49 



sainted Miss Havergal, I now and here affix my name to 
this solemn- dedication of myself to God, looking unto 
him for strength to keep me faithful in his service so long 
as I shall live. 

Name, 



Date, 



OUTLINE STUDIES 

IN 

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 



EXT to the Bible Pilgrims Progress is the 



most suggestive and spiritual guide for the 
young Christian. It only needs to be put into 
modern language to adapt its impressive lessons 
to our own daily experience. I have found the 
study of this book very helpful to probationers, 
especially when expounded and applied in a 
series of brief lectures. 

The following chapters — excepting the first, 
which is a sketch of Banyan's life — are intended to 
be studied by the probationer in connection with 
the reading of Pilgrim's Progress. They give a 
condensed synopsis of the allegory, pointing out 
its spiritual teachings and applying them to the 
reader's own case. It is as if the young convert 
read the book with his pastor at his side to make 
suggestions and emphasize its truths. 




52 



PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 



As the book covers the Christian life from 
awakening to glorification it is profitable for all 
who are trying to walk in " the way," probationers 
and church members alike. It is indeed wonder- 
ful how this work of Bunyan can be made to 
teach, warn, inspire, and edify. 



T. 

Life of Bunyan (Preliminary). 

'"TO study wisely this wonderful book we must 
* know the author — one of God's heroes. His 
life and history are the key to Pilgrim s Progress. 

1. Born near Bedford, England, 1628; died, 
London, 1688. Humble and obscure origin ; 
probably of gypsy blood. As boy had few advan- 
tages. No signs of greatness in youth. Great 
men often from humble conditions. Some obscure 
boy will dream out a book, invention, discovery, 
that thrills world. (Franklin, Stephenson, Fara- 
day, Arkwright, Hargreaves, Edison.) When, 
like Bunyan, obedient to God they conquer 
worlds. 

2. Desperately Wicked Youth. Tinker by 
trade. Soldier at seventeen ; cursing, swearing, 
lying youth. At nineteen married a devoted girl , 
the young tiger tamed. Dangerous experiment 
for a Christian girl ; often ends in broken heart. 
Bunyan and wife read together two pious books of 
hers ; outwardly he reformed. At sport on Sab- 
bath, awakened ; resisted the Spirit ; became des- 
perately blasphemous ; rebuked by an abandoned 

woman ; stung and silenced ; never swore again ; 
53 



54 



PROBA TIONER'S COMPANION. 



became moral. Friends amazed, but he, only a 
poor, painted hypocrite, knew nothing of Christ. 

3. Conversion. Conversation of three pious 
women led to inquiry. Their pastor (Rev. Mr. 
Gifford) led Banyan to genuine conversion. Life 
now founded on Bible. Became Baptist ; no close 
communion views. Severe conflict ; all young 
converts have same. Bunyan immortalized his 
trial in "combat with Apollyon ; " after many 
temptations slays fiend with two-edged sword. 
Conquers by- intense prayer and study of Bible. 
Clear sky. Hencefonh his life almost unclouded 
peace. 

4. Ministry. Now began cottage meetings. 
Still a tinker. Wonderful power to present Christ. 
Audiences increased. Soon called to preach. 
Reign of Charles II, frivolous and debauched. 
Bunyan assailed by ridicule and condemned at 
first, then slandered and abused ; bat the people 
flocked to hear. One night officers arrested him 
in cottage for holding unlawful meetings. Not 
authorized by Established Church. Imprisoned ; 
shut up as felon because he did not use prayer 
book. Methodism born amid such bigotry. 
Thank God, the day is past. Bunyan several 
times offered freedom if he would attend English 
Church and stop preaching. His heroic reply : 
" If I was out of prison to-day I would preach 



LIFE OF BUNYAN. 



55 



the Gospel again to-morrow, by the help of God." 
With wife and four children destitute, suffering, 
would not sell conscience. Wife would not let 
him yield. Separation from family severe trial, 
especially his "poor, blind child." "Home to 
prison." Twelve years in jail, damp, cold, filthy. 
To support family learned to make tagged lace. 

5. Prison axd Writing. All day at work ; 
evening brings blind daughter to carry home lace. 
Reads Bible ; kneels on stone floor : prays with 
child ; kisses her good night. Not alone ; a rude 
lamp ; Bible Concordance ; pen, ink, paper. 
Writes, smiles, clasps hands, looks up, blesses 
God. Skies shine with light. Twelve years of 
nights with God in jail I Inspired and writes ; 
beauteous vision glows ; flowing on paper in burn- 
ing pictures. Thus Pilgrim's Progress originated. 

1672 liberated by Richard Carver's claim on 
king, whom he (Carver) carried through the surf 
to shore. Bunyan released, began preaching again 
undisturbed. Sixteen years of glorious work, 
winning many souls. In 1688, in London, on 
errand of mercy, died of fever. Last words, 
" The blessed sunshine is about me ! It is morn- 
ing." 



II. 

Starting for Heaven. 

"What shall I do to be saved?" 

" piLGRIM'S PROGRESS;" an allegory. 

*■ Christian life a pilgrimage ; shown by variety 
of pictures. Christ's method. Book deals with 
reality ; not rhapsodies, but real experiences of 
life. Free from bigotry. Written in bigoted age 
by a Baptist, yet nothing sectarian ; no immersion 
taught ; no close communion. 

i. Awakened. Book opens wiih Pilgrim walk- 
ing through wilderness ; " clothed with rags I 
(sinful nature) ; his home, City cf Destruction ; 
face from his own house (starting) ; Bible in 
hand ; burden on back (sin); reading, weeping, 
trembling, crying " What shall I do ? " First 
question of awakened soul. Danger felt ; lost 
condition ; told his family ; thought him de- 
ranged ; got him to bed ; night of tears ; morn- 
ing family chide and ridicule. Walking in field 
reading, praying. Evangelist meets ; gives Pil- 
grim roll with words " Flee from the wrath to 
come." Whither? Evangelist points to wicket 
gate. AVord of God shining there ; Pilgrim began 
to run ; family cry after him to return ; stops his 
5G 



STARTIXG FOR HEAVEN. 57 

ears, ran crying " Life, life, eternal life ! " Neigh- 
bors mocked and threatened. 

2. Ungodly Friends. Obstinate and Pliable 
overtake him ; resists Obstinate's appeal to go 
back. Ungodly friends try ridicule and sneers 
to turn back awakened soul. Resolute purpose 
needed ; word of God only guide now. Obsti- 
nate leaves; " crazy, fanatical fellow." Young 
Christians must resist worldly companions ; yield 
to them you are lost. Run, run for wicket gate ; 
keep eye on light above the gate. Stop ears to 
all voices ; only one way of safety to wicket gate. 
Reach that at all hazard. Obstinate cannot give up 
the world. Scoffs at Bible ; begs Pliable to return. 

Pliable represents sentimental, shallow person. 
At first eager ; when trial comes, no strength. 

3. Despondent. Now both Christian and 
Pliable fall suddenly into Slough of Despond. 
Lack of watchfulness and prayer. Pliable dis- 
couraged, struggles out and returns home. Chris- 
tian because of burden sinks deeper ; struggles 
for shore next to wicket gate. Honest seeker ; 
no going back. Help came to him. God always 
sends help to resolute. Fear of Christian made 
him oblivious of solid steps through the Slough. 
These are God's promises. God's help drew 
Christian out safely. Now on solid ground. Al- 
ways help for the earnest. 



58 PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 



4. Waylaid. By greater danger than Slough 
of Despond The spirit of the world. Ridicules 
conviction ; sneers at evangelical religion ; also 
at Bible. Recommends morality instead of reli- 
gion. Denies atonement ; says morality an easy 
life. Burden of sin fanaticism. Christian be- 
guiled under the thunders of the law ; quaking 
with fear. Led by Evangelist back into way. 
Always counsel with pastor ; every wrong step 
must be retraced ; but Christian reached the 
wicket gate safely. 



III. 



The Wicket Gate. 

"Enter ye in at the strait gate." 




HRISTIAX reaches wicket gate. Entrance 
on Christian life. 



1. Entrance Gate. Entrance from world to 
salvation. "Into kingdom of God." Only one 
way in. Repentance. Sin forsaken. Probation 
gate. 

2. Closed Gate. Gates for two purposes ; 
shut out evil, shut in good. Heaven has gates ; 
shut out wicked, shut in saints. Church has 
gates : let in and shut in penitent, shut out un- 
worthy. Christian found gate closed. Over gate 
written " Knock, and it shall be opened unto you." 
Ask ; seek ; knock. Knocked repeatedly. 
Prayer is knocking. Prays till opened. " Strive 
to enter in." Determined. Doubts and difficul- 
ties. Prays harder. Prayer victorious. Gate 
opened. Who here ? " Poor burdened sinner." 
Admitted. Pulled in. Darts of Satan fly at 
gate. Many smitten and fail. 

3. Narrow Gate. Xo room for sins, vices. 
Room for penitent burden. Xot wide enough to 
carry in others. Mother cannot take in children; 

59 



60 PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 



nor wife husband. Each alone. No repentance 
nor admittance by proxy. 

Christian in. Praises God's mercy. Had little 
class meetings. Bid "Look before thee. See 
this narrow way ? " That the way you must go. 
" Straight as a rule." No turning to lose way? 
Yes, many, " crooked and wide." Right, straight 
and narrow. Christian asks relief from burden. 
Young Christians often expect instant relief on 
entering gate. Discouraged. Told to keep on 
and it would fall. Importance of (i) deep convic- 
tion ; (2) resolute purpose; (3) knowledge of 
God's word. Reached house of Interpreter 
(Holy Spirit) ; "knocked over and over." Ear- 
nest seeking. Seek guidance Holy Spirit. Candle 
lighted; light of Holy Spirit. "Private room" 
(closet). Shown picture godly minister. Guid- 
ing souls by Bible to heaven. Beware false 
guides. Parlor (heart). Full of dust (sin). 
Never swept (cleansed). One came to sweep 
(Law). Dust flew and choked Christian. Dam- 
sel (Gospel) sprinkled water and room cleansed. 
Vivid picture of Passion and Patience. Impor- 
tant lessons. Fireplace. Satan pouring water on 
fire (grace in heart). Burns higher and hotter. 
How ? Behind is Christ pouring oil of grace in 
heart. Invisible but always present. Christ will 
supply all need. 



IV 



Burden Gone. 



"Peace through the blood of the cross." 
AST study left Christian in house of Inter- 



' preter gazing on wonderful scenes. A 
few more. Palace Beautiful. Persons walking 
clothed in gold. Picture of saints. Christian 
desires to enter. Many at door desiring, but 
daring not to enter. Man with inkhorn and 
book. Armed foes at door opposing entrance. 
Shows present conflict and glory beyond. Val- 
iant man says : " Set down my name." Shows 
resolution. Draws sword (word of God). Puts 
on helmet. Rushes on armed men. Cuts his 
way through. Enters Palace. Welcomed by 
saints. Christian ravished with vision, yearns to 
go on. Shown counterpart of former vision. 
Man in iron cage. Despairing. Backslider. 
Warning to Christian. Vet mercy for backslider. 
Repent and turn to God. Good men often de- 
pressed, but delivered. David. Cowper. 

Next, picture of judgment. Man unprepared, 
trembling. Christian solemnized and encouraged. 
Resumes his journey. Way narrow and walled 
with salvation. Burden still on back. Running 
on till saw a cross. Just as he reached it burden 




61 



62 PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 



fell and rolled into deep sepulcher. Saved at the 
cross ! Never ceased to run till it was gone. 
Looked and wept for joy. Three shining ones 
saluted : "Peace be to thee." (i) "Thy sins be 
forgiven thee." (Pardon.) (2) Stripped of 
rags ; new raiment. (Regeneration.) (3) A roll 
given with seal upon it. (Witness of Spirit.) 
Roll to be kept till he reached the Celestial 
Gate. Leaps for joy and sings. Supreme doc- 
trine here. Looking unto Christ crucified is 
salvation. Clear conversion and assurance. 

Now Christian goes lightly and joyfully. Bur- 
den gone. Reaches valley. Three fettered men 
asleep : Simple, Sloth, Presumption. Roused 
them. Indifferent. Fell asleep again. Warn- 
ing to young Christians. 

Formalist and Hypocrisy tumble over the wall 
and join them. Trying a short cut to heaven. 
Such Christ denounces — "thieves and robbers." 
Christian shows his robe, mark on forehead, and 
passport for Celestial Gate as proof. They laugh. 
Christian often reads in the roll; refreshed. 

Hill Difficulty. Narrow way up the Hill. 
Christian takes this. Two other ways branch ; 
one Danger, other Destruction. Companions took 
these wrong ways. Lost. All perish who leave 
narrow way. Who seeks ease forsakes the way to 
heaven. Looks pleasant but the end destruction. 



Lions In The Way. 

M There is a lion in the way." 

LAST study left Christian ascending Hill 
Difficulty. Difficulties test character. First, 
he ran (zeal). Then walked, then climbed on 
hands and knees. Everyone must climb this hill. 
Duty lies over it. Cannot go around. Whatever 
the difficulty, must conquer it. He conquered 
only on his knees. Midway a pleasant arbor for 
weary pilgrims. Sat down to rest. Took out his 
roll. Good evidence of acceptance. Spiritual 
pride came in. Off his guard. Fell asleep. Lost 
his roll (evidence). Religious sleep. Dangers. 
Neglect of prayer and class meeting. Perils. 
Beginning of backsliding. No sleeping car on 
the Christian way. Holy Spirit wakens Christian. 
Started out of sleep ; began to run ; reached hill- 
top. Met men running down the hill going 
back pellmell. Backsliders. Saw lions. Going 
down, down to ruin. Stop, backslider ! Chris- 
tian disquieted. His assurance gone. Felt in 
bosom for roll for comfort. Lost. Lost joy and 
peace found at the cross. Dare not go on with- 
out it. Remembered sleep. Prayed till forgiven. 
63 



64 PROBATIONER'S COMPANION. 



Started back weeping and sighing, " O, that I had 
not slept!" Reached arbor bowed in sorrow. 
Found the lost roll. Put it in his bosom. Great 
joy and peace again. Renewed his journey. As- 
cends hill with assurance. Night comes on. 
Had lost time by folly. Lions in darkness, yet 
went on. At peace now. Sees Palace Beautiful. 
Pressed forward for lodging. m God's Church. 
Welcome for him. Built for weary pilgrims. 
Soon way became very narrow. Here saw r terri- 
ble lions. Afraid. Tempted to go back. Watch- 
ful at gate ; rebukes; says lions are chained. 
This is the pastor of church. Lions only test 
the faith of pilgrims. These lions are the world 
and the devil ; crouch at church doors to deter 
persons from joining. All lions are chained. 
Keep in the middle of the road ; they cannot 
harm you. God will deliver the faithful. 



VI. 

The King's Palace. 

u They shall enter into the King's Palace." 

/CHRISTIAN passed chained lions safely. 
^ Cheered by vision of grand palace. Asked 
for lodging. Palace for pilgrims. Represents 
the Church. The " porter," the pastor. The 
saintly damsels, counselors of pilgrims. Chris- 
tian not admitted at once. Is examined. Tells 
his experience. Confesses sleep in the arbor. 
Watchful rings a bell. A damsel named Discre- 
tion appears. Christian has further examination. 
Teaches discretion in admitting members. Discre- 
tion represents class leader. Admission to palace, 
joining Church in full. Christian relates expe- 
rience again. Discretion smiles kindly at his 
eagerness to join. Calls Pr idence, Piety, and 
Charity. All decide to admic him. " Come in, 
thou blessed of the Lord." This house built for 
pilgrims. Next important object to cross. Who- 
ever enters Wicket Gate should enter King's 
palace. No right to stay outside of Church. 
Prodigal, after pardon, enters father's house. 
Lost sheep brought to fold. Pentecost's thou- 
sands join Church same day. Baptism door of 
admission. Jailer baptized night of conversion. 
5 S3 



66 PROBATIONER'S COMPAXIOX.. 



Eunuch baptized the day he believed. Christian 
now member of palace household. Spent evening 
in experience meeting. Christian recounts three 
things never can forget. How Christ maintains 
grace in the heart by picture of fire kept burning ; 
man in the cage of despair ; dream of judgment. 
Especially his sight of one breathing on the tree. 
Grateful to be in the Church. Longs for a better 
life. The past filled with regret. Temptations 
come, but desire for right stronger. Golden hours 
of victory. Secret of triumph, (i) meditation on 
the cross ; (2) looking at my new garment; (3) the 
roll in my bosom; (4) burning thoughts of heaven. 

Supper announced. This the Sacrament. All 
partake. Thoughts on Christ. After family 
prayers retires to upper chamber called Peace. 
Peace of God fills his soul. Next morning awoke 
and sang for joy. So grateful to Christ for Church. 
Next door to heaven. Taken into the study; shown 
the Bible. Young Christian study God's word. 
Next into the armory; all manner of armor. Suf- 
ficient for all needs. Armory is means of grace. 
Neglect these, piety declines; put on whole armor. 
Showed him how God made pilgrims conquer by 
weak things. Next day showed him Delectable 
Mountains; nearer heaven. Richer blessings far- 
ther on. All grace promised. Glorious prospects 
and cheer. On ! On ! Heaven is before you ! 



Valley of Humiliation. 

''The valley of the shadow of death." 

'"TWENTY-THIRD Psalm, the nightingale of 
* the Psalms. Christian left Palace Beautiful 
and vision of the Delectable Mountains for jour- 
ney. From mount to valley. Road descends. 
True to life. From mount of rapture to valley of 
trial ; go down to rise higher. After Christ 
crowned by the dove at baptism, led into the 
wilderness. Character must be tested. Trials 
are drill masters. Power of God to deliver al- 
ways. Our trial seems Satan's hour. 

Christian soon met Apollyon. Debated going 
back or standing ground. Remembered no armor 
for back. None for cowards and backsliders. 
Christian resolved to stand his ground. This, 
half the victory. If he runs, destroyed. If he 
stands, conquers. Monster represents Satan ; 
symbolic description. Satan a real personality. 
Christians tempted because fleeing from sin. 
Sinners not tempted because captives of Satan. 
Xo need to tempt them. Satan charged on Chris- 
tian as deserter. Then tries flattery and depicts 
dangers. Christian would not yield. Christian 
67 



68 



PROBA TIONER'S COMPANION. 



bravely defies. Apollyon cries : " Prepare to 
die." Threw a flaming dart. Christian quenched 
it on shield. Drew his Sword of the Spirit. Satan 
hurled darts thick as hail. Darts are doubts, 
unbeliefs, fear. Conflict fierce. Christian fell 
and lost sword. Has doubts of Bible. Apollyon 
sprang on him : "I am sure of thee now." Chris- 
tian got sword again, and was strong. Gave Satan 
a deadly thrust. Smote again, Apollyon fled. 
Conquered by Shield of Faith and Sword of the 
Spirit. Young Christian, keep thy sword. Dili- 
gently study Bible. Christian's wounds healed 
at once by leaves from Tree of Life. Partook of 
refreshment. Resumed journey with drawn 
.sword. No enemies appeared. 

Next valley — shadow of death. Way to heaven 
through this solidary place ; represents spiritual 
conflicts, Bunyan had many such. Grandest 
souls have conflicts. Satan never troubles half- 
way Christians. These yield to the world. Have 
no intense conflicts. Christian meets two men 
flying back ; urged him to come. Full of terrors ; 
portrayed the horrors before him. Christian un- 
daunted. Descends with drawn sword. Abraham 
in this valley ; Joseph also ; Daniel, Paul, and 
Silas. Lost health, or fortune, or friends may 
bring on spiritual conflict. Way very narrow 
now. On either side destruction. Christians 



VALLEY OF HUMILIATION. 



69 



fight ditch and quagmire. Watch against worldly 
dangers. Walk by faith. Mouth of hell, belch- 
ing flame, smoke, hideous noises ; could not 
smite these with sword ; took another weapon of 
prayer : " O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my 
soul." Went on. Imagined a band of fiends. 
Resolved to go on : "I will walk in the strength 
of the Lord God." Fiends vanish. Importunate 
prayer triumphs. Heard a voice : " Though I 
walk through the valley," etc. " Thou art with 
me." Found other pilgrims in valley. Cheered 
by company. Emerges into life. Great joy 
when sun rose. Now walks in light. 



VIII. 
Vanity Fair. 

"Behold, all was vanity." 

/"CHRISTIAN, emerging from valley, discovers 
cave of two giants, Pope and Pagan. Bones 
and ashes of martyrs. Pagan dead. Pope de- 
crepit, but showed his teeth. Christian and 
Faithful journey many -days. Delightful com- 
munion. Christian hears of old neighbors. 
Faithful assailed by old Adam ; struck down by 
secret desire. Had perished but for One with 
holes in his hands. In dark valley he met no 
Apollyon, but Discontent. Could not be turned 
back. Severest enemy, Shame. Tried to shame 
him back. Would not yield. They met Talk- 
ative ; smooth, oily hypocrite. " A saint abroad 
and a devil at home." Hypocrite no Christian; 
man of the world in guise of Christian. When 
pressed with religious questions, left them. They 
meet Evangelist. Dear friend, welcome helper. 
Portrays Vanity Fair ; one will die as martyr. 
Sooner reaches heaven. Vanity Fair the world's 
pleasures and temptations. Christian now in 
current cf temptations. True Christian lives 
above world. God's word is rule of conduct. 
70 



VANITY FAIR, 



71 



World no friend to grace. " A peculiar people 
separate from their sins." The Fair all pomps, 
pleasures, shows, vanity. Must go through it, 
must keep separate from it. Christ so tested in 
wilderness. The two enter the town ; their gar- 
ments strange ; greatest excitement. Did not 
change garments in conformity to world. Lan- 
guage strange ; not the talk of this world. World 
talks of dress, money, theaters, dances, pleasure. 
Christian of Christ, Bible, faith, hope, heaven. 
Refuses to patronize the Fair. Would not par- 
take. Must resist fascinations ; stop your ears. 
Christian would not buy wares. Ordered arrested; 
in jail; false charges. All this real when Bunyan 
wrote ; his twelve years in prison. Never com- 
promised. True men never do. Some won to 
Christ by pilgrims. Faithful fearless and reso- 
lute after mock trial. Denounces the Fair- 
Suffers martyrdom by fire. Behind him band of 
angels and chariot of horses waiting. Soul rose 
in chariot to sound of trumpets up to Celestial 
City. Out of conflict into eternal life. Christian 
in prison, but escaped. On his way soon. The 
triumph of Faithful. Glorious victory ! 



IX. 



Beacon Lights. 

"Holding faith and a good conscience." 
OVERNMENT spends millions for light- 



houses. Bible and experience like signal fires. 
Men wrecked by trampling on conscience. Bun- 
yan portrays jugglery of conscience. Christian 
on his journey with Hopeful, a convert at Vanity 
Fair. They meet By-Ends. Classes of hypocrites 
portrayed. By-Ends boasts social and financial 
standing. Many such to-day. By-Ends never 
religious against his interest. Likes silver-slip- 
per religion. Christian talks to Sycophant. Re- 
fuses company to hypocrite unless became honest. 
Left them. Three more hypocrites. In the 
Church for money The four argue it is right to 
become Christians for better position, more money, 
and rich wife. Flimsy arguments. With one 
stroke Christian cleaves it in two. Hypocrites 
- now dumb and slink away. The lesson concerns 
motives ; none but high motives. Nothing for 
self-consciousness. New temptations. The Hill 
Lucre. A silver mine. Tempted to speculate. 
Christian refuses snare. Many slain ; others 
maimed. Christian's reply, " Not a step will we 




72 



BEACON LIGHTS. 



73 



stir, but keep on our way." Danger of love of 
money. Business often becomes idolatry ; de- 
thrones Christ. No time for secret prayer or 
church duties. Poor as well as rich in danger 
of loving money. Neither spendthrift nor miser 
use all for God. Monument of Lot's wife. 
Warning against looking back to world. No 
turning back to its follies. No yielding to little 
sins. Many of these pillars of salt in modern life. 
They look back. The world's stronghold. Pray 
against it. Cheering beacon. River of life ; 
peace, joy, holy bliss. Refreshed ; strong in God. 
Went on 




X. 



Doubting Castle. 



"O thou of little faith, wherefore dost thou doubt?" 

DETER had no reason to doubt. Christ's com- 



1 mand involved his help. We, less reason. 
All of us sometime in Doubting Castle. Despair 
result of doubt. Tyrannizes over our doubts and 
fears. 

Christian journeys several days in peace along 
River of Life. River and Narrow Way diverge. 
Keeps the Narrow Way. Road rough. Dis- 
couraged. Murmurs. Discontent with God's 
ways leads to doubts. Bypath Meadow appears 
to tempt. Go up to stile to see. Coquets with 
temptation. Path seemed parallel to Narrow 
Way. Looked easy. Went over the stile. Danger 
in seeking a pleasant path. One step wrong, 
disaster follows. Overtake man and ask if this 
the way to heaven. " Certain." Bad guide. 
Night comes on. Darkness and strange road. 
No safety. Bad guide falls in deep pit and 
killed. Alarmed. Terrible storm. Distressing 
anxiety. Remorse at leaving Narrow Way. Voice 
of God calling them back. Easier going astray 
than getting back. Sat down and waited for day- 




74 



DOUBTIXG CASTLE. 



75 



light. Giant Despair comes. On enemy s ground. 
Arrests for trespass. Cast into dungeon. Remem- 
ber these Christians had forsaken Narrow Way. 
In doubt and despair. Many ways getting into 
Doubting Castle. Unbelief. Dallying with 
temptation. Neglect of prayer. Neglect means 
of grace. Neglect Bible. Pleasures of world. 
Some bypath then allures. Suffer in dungeon 
for days. Giant Despair beats them. Remorse 
for disobedience. Conscience severe. Tempted 
to suicide. Many allured in bypath to suicide. 

Christian in utter despair. Does nothing to 
get out. Not once had he prayed. No hope but 
in prayer. At last return to weapon of all-prayer. 
Continue all Saturday night. Sunday morning 
prayer uncovers Saviour's face. Christian finds 
key in his bosom that unlocks every door. Name 
of that key, " Promise." Tries the key. Bolt 
flew back. Door swung open. Free ! Outer 
door flew open. Giant awoke and pursued. 
Taken in a fit. They escape. Stop not until 
once more safe in Narrow Way. Erect a warn- 
ing to others 

Lessons, i. Never depart from God's way. 2. 
Watch against flowery paths. 3. Prayer, way of 
deliverance. 4. God's promise, key to all deliver- 
ance. 



XI. 



Delectable Mountains. 

"A land flowing with milk and honey." 

C SCAPE from Doubting Castle ; restored to 
*— 4 Way of Life, next experience on Delectable 
Mountains. Out of despair into highest joy. 
Sorrow comes from leaving Narrow Way. Need 
of higher conscience. Xo straying if we follow 
Bible guide. Ways of world always lure to ruin. 
Christian walked watchfully and prayerfully after 
Doubting Castle. This led to Delectable Moun- 
tains. Describes sweet experience of holy living. 
Very near to Christ. Enjoying rich communion. 
Heavenly bliss in Christ. Shown wonder's : (i) 
Mountain of Error, Precipice of Error or Heresy. 
Many below dashed to pieces. Once pilgrims, 
but become fanatics. Victims of bypaths. In 
poverty ; in trouble got out of church. Lost. 
(2) Open cloor in hill, bypath to hell. Door for 
hypocrites. Joins church, but goes to Perdition 
by side door. Xever reaches Celestial City. (3) 
Ascended Mount Clear. Telescope of Faith in 
hand. See glory of Celestial City, end of their 
journey. Never doubt again. All clouds lifted. 

Filled with rapture. God gives true Christians 
76 



DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS, 



these glimpses. After climbing mountains some 
day will see it, Keep climbing. Vision girds 
with strength. Goal of journey yonder. Re- 
ceived clear directions to the city as they went 
on. Warned not to sleep on Enchanted Ground. 
(4) Met a religious dude named Ignorance. Born 
in land of Conceit. Going to heaven in a free 
and easy way. Knew it all. Several of him in 
this town. Took a short cut for heaven. Will 
see him again. Met man with seven devils. 
Apostate. Dreadful sight. Next came to two 
roads parallel. Stood still. Flatterer offered 
to guide. Followed him. Soon entangled in 
net. Flatterer revealed as Deceiver. Good 
Evangelist appears with whip. Inquires how 
they came there. Confess all. Reminds them 
of note given by Shepherds to guide. They 
forget. Chastised. Conscience, the whip. Snare 
broken. Go on with greater caution. Wine, 
beer, amusements— nets. Go wrong because fail 
to consult the Bible. Met fashionable infidel. 
Laughs at their journey to heaven. Investigated 
for twenty years. No such place. See value of 
genuine religious experience. Saves from cheap 
sophistries. Tell him they know. Saw it from 
Delectable Mountains, Rejoicing in hope, left 
the infidel sneering. For him only outer dark- 
ness; for them awaits the City of God. 



XII. 

End of the Journey. 

"Enter ye into the joy of your Lord." 

P SCAPED from mocking Atheist. Pursued 
^ his journey. Enchanted Ground. Drowsy. 
Hopeful would lie down. Christian remembers 
warning and saves Hopeful. Drowsy piety in- 
duces fatal sleep. No sleep on journey to heaven. 
Air of world perfumed with opiates. Recounted 
experience. Kept awake. Passed Enchanted 
Ground. Beulah Land. Next place to heaven. 
Blissful hope. Unclouded experience. Heaven 
in full sight. Shining ones walk there. Filled 
with fullness of God. Songs of heaven heard 
there. Heaven begins here. Nothing in any 
language surpasses this part of Pilgrim's Prog- 
ress. Describe Isaiah 42. All may walk in 
Beulah. Now presses toward City of God. 
Journey near its end. Glory of heaven appears. 
Two shining ones in gold raiment become com- 
panions. In this blissful state continue to the 
end. Reach the river Death. Fearful at first 
of waters. No other way to the Gate. Enter 
the waters. Faith of Christian weak. Begins to 

sink. Faith of Hopeful strong. He feels the 
73 



EXD OF THE JOURNEY. 



79 



bottom. He cheers Christian. Light breaks in 
soul of Christian. Sees Christ's face. Christian 
found bottom after vision of Christ's face. Rest 
of the way river shallow. Crossed in triumph. 
Welcomed by Shining Ones. Escorted by angels 
to gate of heaven. Mortal bodies gone. Mount 
on wings to Celestial City. Rapturous com- 
munion. Heavenly host meets them. Shout for 
joy. Heaven resounds with welcome. Convoyed 
by angels, golden trumpets, and anthems, reach 
the shining - Gate. Above the battlements look 
shining beings. Knock at gate. Passports de- 
manded. King's passport alone admits. Pull roll 
out of their bosom. Here is passport. King 
examines and commands gate to be opened. 
Joyful hour. Reward of the long journey. 
Heaven's gates open to inclose them. Clothed 
in gold raiment, harp and crown. All the bells 
ring for joy. Home, home forever. Just here 
Ignorance crossed the River of Death. Reaches 
Gate and knocks. Passport demanded. Had 
none. Speechless. Cast into outer darkness. 

Young Christians, have you the passport ? If 
you have, it means heaven. If you have not, 
outer darkness. 



PILGRIM'S 
PROGRESS 



FROM THIS WORLD 
TO THAT WHICH . 
IS TO COME. . . . 

-~f> BY JQHX BLNYAX, i|~ 
. . . WITH . . . 

One Hundred Illustrations 

By Frederick Barnard 
and Others, Engraved 
toy Dal^iel Brothers, 



SQUARE QUARTO. SIZE, 9x11 INCHES. 
CLOTH BINDING. 



$2.00. 



